Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 150-plus score in Perth during India’s first Test against Australia in 2024 has become one of the most talked-about moments in cricket. With this incredible knock, Jaiswal has firmly established himself as a future legend. Paired with KL Rahul, he delivered a record-breaking opening partnership that rewrote history books. Here’s a comprehensive look at the stats, records, and the significance of this remarkable achievement.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul: A Historic Partnership
A 201-Run Milestone Partnership
The opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul stitched together a 201-run stand, marking the highest-ever opening partnership for India in a Test in Australia. This partnership surpassed the 191-run record set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in Sydney, 1986. The feat underscored Jaiswal’s ability to anchor an innings while also showcasing his aggressive stroke play.
Elite 200-Run Partnerships Against Australia
This incredible partnership made Jaiswal and Rahul only the sixth visiting pair to put up 200-plus runs as openers against Australia in Australia. Interestingly, the previous five instances were all recorded by England openers, the last being Graham Gooch and Mike Atherton’s 203-run stand in 1991 at Adelaide.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 150-Plus Score in Perth: A Remarkable Feat
Consistency in Conversion Rates
Jaiswal’s innings of 161 was not just a showcase of brilliance but also highlighted his ability to convert starts into monumental scores. Remarkably, Jaiswal has converted all four of his Test centuries into 150-plus scores. This rare achievement places him alongside Graeme Smith as the only player to have done so in their first four Test tons.
Breaking Records at a Young Age
At just 22, Jaiswal already has four 150-plus scores, a record only bettered by Don Bradman, who had five such scores before turning 23. Jaiswal now shares the spot with cricketing greats like Javed Miandad and Graeme Smith, cementing his place among the sport’s prodigies.
Most Sixes in a Calendar Year
In a stunning display of skill, Jaiswal shattered Brendon McCullum’s record by hitting 35 sixes in a single calendar year, surpassing the previous high of 33 sixes set by McCullum in 2014. This stat reflects not just his aggression but also his ability to dominate world-class bowlers.
India’s Rare 200-Plus Second-Innings Opening Stands
Jaiswal and Rahul’s 201-run partnership was only the third time Indian openers have crossed the 200-run mark in the second innings of a Test. The previous two instances were:
- 213 by Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan at The Oval in 1979.
- 203 by Vijay Merchant and Mushtaq Ali in Manchester, 1936.
This exceptional feat was critical in setting up a commanding position for India in the Test match.
Why Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 150-Plus Score in Perth Stands Out
Second-Longest Opening Stand in Australia Since 1998
The duo of Jaiswal and Rahul faced an impressive 378 balls, making it the second-longest opening partnership by a visiting pair in Australia since 1998. Only Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook’s 398-ball stand in Brisbane (2010) is ahead of them.
A Unique Record Amidst Adversity
Jaiswal scored 161 in the second innings after a duck in the first. He achieved a landmark achievement in Test history by becoming one of only seven players to score 150 or more runs after a first-innings duck. This resilience further solidifies his reputation as a mentally strong player.
KL Rahul’s Crucial Contribution
KL Rahul’s role in this partnership deserves recognition. He became the first Indian opener to record century stands in Tests across Australia, England, and South Africa. His ability to adapt to different conditions complements Jaiswal’s aggressive approach.
How Jaiswal’s Knock Fits Into Cricketing Context
The 161-run innings by Jaiswal stands as one of the finest performances by a young player in recent memory. It joins a select group of opening partnerships in the third innings that have surpassed the team totals in the first innings. Notable examples include:
- 278-run stand by Shan Masood and Abid Ali against Sri Lanka in 2019.
- 242-run stand by Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden against West Indies in 2003.
Jaiswal and Rahul’s partnership further highlights India’s dominance in this game and their strategic brilliance in the ICC World Test Championship.
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